The poems of Allison Kramer almost seem tentative, nervously approaching and sinking into their subject matter. With dream-like symbols and childhood images, they explore realms of despair and confusion, showing us the most uncomfortable aspects of living in Allison's world.
Allison says: "I have been writing poetry for five years. I began writing after my dad's death. Poetry has been my way of expression to many things, largely dealing with emotional illness and how I view this fast-paced, hectic, often cold world of ours.
"I started writing lyrical-type poetry, but have experimented with different forms, including free-verse, trying not to lose my own style in the process. As for a personal opinion on my poems, they are self-explanatory and autobiographical.
"As for credentials, I have been published in my local newspaper, 'zines such as Lucid Moon, The Cherotic Revolutionary, and Alpha-Beat Press.
"I began seeking publication in 1998. It is quite an experience to learn from. I found much of my early work at odds in a field that largely publishes 'beat' and 'free-verse' type poetry. So I began experimenting with different forms on my own, but I think I'll always love writing lyrical poetry best.
"Influences on my work have been largely musicians, including David Bowie as a biggest inspiration. Other influences have been the many aspects of my illness. Highs, lows, hospitalizations, countless emotions. A major incluence for me lately has been the state of our hectic, loud, angry world, how it effects me.
"I have taken on poetry to be more than a hobby. I performed in coffee-houses and bookstores and libraries until my illness took over. I hope to get back to performing one day. I'm not in it for the money, I know there isn't much in it. I do hope to get a book published someday, but that's someday. Just the thrill of seeing my work in print brings me much satisfaction and makes me feel like I have accomplished something.
"As for other aspects of me? Well, my illness makes it impossible (for now anyway), for me to do the things I used to love. I am pretty much a slave to my home. Music serves as my inspiration, my mental escape from reality. I love rock bands from the 1980's. I also enjoy contemporary jazz. I also read poetry. Allen Ginsberg and Emily Dickenson to name a few. I also read many unknown authors as well." Allison has no e-mail address, but you can write to her through Unlikely Stories.
Allison's works here at Unlikely Stories are:
July 1999 - July 2000:
Never In-Between
Carousel
prophets
help me... whoever/whatever
The Potter & the Clay